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Holyport Awards - 22 May
Holyport's 2012/13 season was brought to a close on Saturday 18 May at the their annual awards evening.
A BBQ and Season review highlights package was followed by multiple awards:
Glass tankards were awarded to Lee Ovens, Ryan Britnell and Matt Rolfe for 100 appearances for Holyport FC, this actually happened earlier in the season and these players are now:-
Lee Ovens – 134 apps
Matt Rolfe – 115 apps
Ryan Britnell – 110 apps
Special mention to Sam Jones and Daniel Rapley who both passed 200 apps this season – awards will come when they make it to 300!!
The reserve team awards were handed out by Barry Rake and Eddie Wright, these went to:
Managers player – George Hunter
Players player – Norbet Avery
Golden boot – Paul Rake – (20 in 26 – 0.76 goals per game)
The First team awards were handed out by manager Derek Sweetman and these went to:
Managers player – Jamie West
Players player – Matt Rolfe
Golden boot – Jamie West (25 in 42 – 0.59 goals per game)
Goal of the season – Dan Rapley v Slimbridge away
Miss of the season – Sharpy v Marlow away
A thank you to EVERYONE who has helped Holyport this season, the club would not continue without our fantastic volunteers!!
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New Officers At Port - 8 May
Following Holyport Football Clubs AGM on Thursday 2nd May Holyport FC are pleased to announce the appointment of Lyn Davies as Secretary and Michael Burt as Fixture Secretary.
Lyn comes with great experience after running Orchard Park Rangers in the Premier Division of The East Berkshire League. Lyn will continue to be the Secretary for OPR as well as take on the role at Holyport FC.
Michael Burt has been a friendly face around Holyport for many seasons and knows a great deal about non league football. Michael has also contributed towards the ever improving match day programme for the last two seasons.
Holyport FC would like to welcome both Lyn and Michael to the club.
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Port Hope To Upset Form Guide - 23 April
Holyport visit Yarnton Road tonight in a 13th v 14th match and form shows that home side Kidlington will be favourites.
They have won 3 of their last 5 games scoring an impressive 18 goals along the way and conceding 10, whereas Holyport have only won 1 and drawn 2 of their last 5 games.
After having the weekend off Holyport have no injuries concerns apart from the long term injuries to Chance (back) and Deverall (hamstring) so travel with relatively strong side. A win for Kidlington and they will guarantee a finish above Holyport whereas a win for Holyport will take them a point clear of Kidlington in 13th place with one game to go.
The previous meeting which resulted in an 8-3 win for Holyport on the opening goal of the season holds no reflection on tonights game. Kidlington have since changed management and are a completely different side as recent results have shown.
Holyport's last game was 3-3 draw away to top 6 side Slimbridge, a repeat performance you would like to think would yield at least a point from tonights game. Port will need to be aware of Kidlington's inform players - Curtin, Deabill and Dunmall.
Tonights squad is from: Marshall, Ovens, Britnell, Harding, Rolfe, Wright, Rapley, Jones, Woodhouse, Jerrum, West, Casey, Hedges and Legg.
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 Broom's Last Home Game - 9 April
Holyport welcome Cheltenham Saracens to Summerleaze tonight in Port's last home game of the season and in turn also Secretary Graham Broom’s. Graham (pictured) will be stepping down after ten years at the helm at the end of the season.
The pitch has taken some much needed rain this morning and has hopefully softened the surface.
Ports visit to Cheltenham earlier in the season resulted in a 2-1 loss but Holyport really run Cheltenham all the way that day. Stuart Butler scored Holyport’s goal that day.
Holyport will also be presenting the Supporters Player of the Season shield to the player who obtains the most votes from the Holyport faithful. You still have time to vote for this as the presentation will be made at 19.30pm.
The only change from Saturday’s squad is Ryan Britnell is unavailable due to work commitments so Paul Woodhouse will join the squad. Holyport will be looking to bounce back after the 3-0 loss to Wantage. If they can match the second half display that we put in against Wantage we will be sure to push Cheltenham all the way.
Marshall, Ovens, Casey, Harding, Rolfe, Rapley, Legg, Jones, Sharp, Wright, West, Jerrum, Butler, Woodhouse & Hedges. |
Alfredians At Holyport - 6 April
Holyport welcome second place Wantage Town to Summerleaze this afternoon for 'Ports' third home game in the space of six days. Holyport will be looking to replicate Thursday nights performance, Holyport Press Office Richard Tyrell commented. "Although losing to Slimbridge we played some great football at times and deserved a point from the tie". Dale Wright and Jamie West were on target for Holyport.
The meeting between these two sides back in September resulted in an away win, one of only four league losses Wantage have suffered this season. The goals on that night were from Daniel Rapley and Jamie West.
Bradley Legg impressed on Thursday and we be pushing for a starting place, whilst Stuart Butler and Jordan Casey are also expected to return to the squad after missing Thursday’s match. Holyport will need to be at their best to stop a Wantage side who are playing catch up on Marlow in regard for clinching the league title.
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Holyport Take On Swans Tonight - 4 April
Holyport welcome 4th placed Slimbridge AFC to Summerleaze Village tonight for an Uhlsport Hellenic League Premier Division fixture (19:45pm kick off). The two sides are yet to meet this season after two postponements but last season Holyport managed a 0-0 draw at Slimbridge but lost 1-0 at home in the return fixture – a Marvyn Roberts strike on 24 minutes settled the game.
Slimbridge will bring the fourth meanest defence in the League tonight so chances will be at a premium; any chances that do arrive will need to be taken if Holyport are to add to their points tally. The side will be forced into changes as Hedges, Woodhouse, Butler, Jerrum and Casey are all unavailable but this will mean Britnell and Ovens come back into the side.
More positive news this week is that Dan Bailey has not broken his foot as expected and will be back within a week. Dan has only suffered from bad bruising. Jobe Smith has also been drafted in from the Youth team after impressing.
Side from, Marshall, Ovens, Britnell, Rofle, Harding, Jones, Sharp, Rapley, Wright, West, Legg, Brennan, Tyrell and Smith
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Sweetman Points To Next Season - 29 March
While hoping for a strong finish to the current Uhlsport Hellenic League Premier Division campaign, Holyport FC boss Derek Sweetman acknowledged he has one eye on next season.
The club finished 13th last year in their first season in the Hellenic Premier Division, but need a strong run-in to equal or better that. Sweetman says they can do it, but he is already looking to 2013/14. “I have already started lining up some possibilities,” he said. “I will also have some news on an addition to the management team. I have been without an assistant since Kevin Carvell stepped down to concentrate on his business a few months ago.”
More immediately Holyport host Reading Town on Easter Monday. Sweetman said: “Reading have a couple of classy players, Graham Lewis and Danny Seaward, both strikers, who are very good, and Reading will be trying to drag themselves away from the wrong end of the table. Although, as I said before, I don’t think any team will be relegated, or maybe one at the most.”
He added: “From our point of view it would be nice to at least equal last season’s 13th place finish and that’s something for the players to aim for.”
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Watch Games For Free At Holyport - 27 March
Holyport are offering spectators 5 games of football for just £15, that's 5 games in just 11 days at only £3 per game starting this Saturday through to April 9th. That's Two Games For Free based on their normal admission price to a first team game.
Download and print the voucher then present on Saturday 30th March or Monday 1st April to receive the above offer - the £15 must be paid at the same time as this voucher is presented.
30th March – Finchampstead Reserves 3pm
1st April Reading Town – 3pm
4th April Slimbridge – 19.45pm
6th April Wantage Town – 3pm
9th April Cheltenham Saracens – 19.45pm
Offer Voucher
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Swans To Land At Port - 22 March
Holyport welcome Slimbridge AFC to Summerleaze Village tomorrow, the 'Swans' occupy fourth place in the league table.
The two sides are yet to meet this season but last season Holyport managed a 0-0 draw at Slimbridge but lost 1-0 at home in the return fixture, a Marvyn Roberts strike on 24 minutes settled the game.
Slimbridge are known for having one of the meanest defence in the League, so chances will be at a premium. Any chances that do arrive will need to be taken if Holyport are to add to their points tally. It is expected that the side will be similar to the one that faced Flackwell Heath on Tuesday in The Bluefin Insurers Supplementary Cup, apart from a few exceptions. Sam Jones will be missing, but Jack Harding is back after suspension.
Holyport started Tuesday night’s game with five players under the age of 21 and they held their own for the entire 90 minutes. With no reserve team fixture this weekend hopefully some more young talented players can feature.
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Larges Lane For Port - 15 March
Holyport visit Larges Lane tomorrow to face 9th placed Wokingham & Emmbrook, Holyport find themselves in 13th place but have found some form of late with five wins and one draw from their last nine games. A win tomorrow will bring them in-line points wise to where they sat this time last season (35 points).
Holyport will travel without captain Lee Ovens who is serving a two match suspension, Steve Deverall who has a hamstring injury, Jake Chance (back) and Ryan Britnell who is traveling Europe.
The lack of defenders will mean that Reserve team full back Bradley Legg who has impressed all season will now get a run in the first team. Bradley made his debut at Xmas against Flackwell Heath and scored in our 3-2 defeat.
The Reserves meanwhile will be looking to get back to winning ways at home to Bracknell Town. Paul Rake is lighting up the scoring charts with 18 goals in 22 games. Paul is 8 clear of Bracknell's Hobden. Both games at 3pm Kick Offs.
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A Struggle, But Not Too Bad - 11 March
Although this season has been a struggle at times Holyport currently only sit three points behind from where they stood at this time last season.
Completing the double this week against Abingdon Town has seen Holyport move to 32 points. Goals from Wright, Rolfe and West gave Port a 3-0 win at Summerleaze on Saturday in what is best described as a battling display on a difficult pitch. Credit for getting the game on to Dave Jones who spent many hours on Saturday morning removing the excess water which had built up.
Holyport also had to make three changes to the side that had won convincingly on Tuesday night as Britnell, Butler and Deverall were all unavailable. Hedges, Wright and Sharp all stepped up and proved the squad as has evolved as they all put in solid good displays.
Holyport have no mid week game this week so we can look forward to a tough encounter next Saturday to face a good Wokingham and Emmbrook side knowing we have won on our last two visits to Larges Lane.
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Looking For Response - 2 March
Holyport travel to inform and second placed Ardley United today, in the Uhlsport Hellenic League Premier Division, looking for improvement.
Having visited earlier in the season Holyport were beaten 4-2 in the FA Cup that time and weeks later held Ardley to a 1-1 draw at Summerleaze. Derek Sweetman is looking for a response after a lacklustre mid week display at home to FA Vase Quarter Finalists Ascot United. Port were comfortably beaten 5-1.
Since then Sweetman has signed Rhys Marshall from Maidenhead United for the remainder of the season. Rhys had a spell with Premier Division table toppers Marlow FC last season when they were in the Southern League. Holyport will be without Matt Rolfe but welcome back Ryan Britnell.
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Vase Quarter Finalists Head For Port - 26 February
Holyport welcome, in form and FA Carlsberg Vase quarter finalists, Ascot United for a Premier Division local derby at Summerleaze tonight.
Ascot are unbeaten in their last six League games and sit comfortably above Holyport with many games in hand due to their successful FA Vase run.
Port themselves will be looking to get back to winning ways after Binfield derailed their recent good form on Saturday, in a tight match where the major decisions went for Binfield. Holyport will be without Sam Jones (flu) along with Ryan Britnell and Dan Bailey, but do welcome back Steve Deverall.
If you are looking for a game with goals then look no further, the last four games have seen score lines of 4-2, 5-2, 6-3 and 3-1 - an average of nearly seven goals per game. Be sure not to miss this 19.45pm kick off.
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Summerleaze Welcomes Moles - 23 February
Holyport welcome fourth place Binfield to Summerleaze for the Uhlsport Hellenic Premier Division game today.
The games between the two sides are normally exciting games. The 'Moles' from Binfield won the game earlier in the season 2-0 but Holyport had the better of the first half but failed to convert their chances.
Holyport will be looking to extend their recent good form which has seen them claim 10 points from 12 available and only concede 2 goals whilst scoring 10. Binfield on the other hand will be looking to halt their recent poor form, but Holyport know that Binfield have plenty of quality and only a exceptional 90 minute performance will see a result.
Last season it took an amazing save from Weait in goal for Binfield for them to secure a 2-1 win, that was from a Sturgess free kick who is now a Binfield regular. Holyport will only be missing Steve Deverall due to work.
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Change Of Heart - 16 February
Derek Sweetman said he was ‘disappointed’ but ‘understood’ when two players he was about to sign changed their minds at the last minute.
The players, who the Holyport boss did not name, had travelled to the Summerleaze club to put pen to paper, but a change of heart from their current club on a grievance saw the duo decide not to swap allegiances.
Sweetman said: “It was a disappointment for us, but I can only applaud their loyalty which is rare in football. So I am still searching to add to the squad as we are a few bodies light.”
This was not Sweetman’s only disappointment in the last few days, as last Saturday’s call-off at Kidlington caused some annoyance. “I was disappointed on Saturday to get the call at 11am that Kidlington was off,” he said. “I’m not sure if the pitch really was waterlogged or that some of their best players were not available, either way it was a shame as we have built up a head of steam and the guys were chomping at the bit to play.”
He added: “We are away to Newbury today, who have changed manager and have several different players, but are always tough."
The comments regarding Kidlington were published in the local press, Holyport have subsequently qualified them by advising. “Derek’s comments were more thoughts than a statement and have come out of frustration, we feel these have been blown up out of all proportion” Holyport FC are perfectly convinced that the postponement of this game was conducted in the correct manner and carried out within the exact guide lines of the Hellenic League rules. We apologise to Simon Dickens and Kidlington FC and hope no offence was taken regarding this matter”
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Completion Of Big Week - 9 February
Holyport complete their big week with a visit to Yarnton Road today to face a much changed Kidlington side. The side they will face will be a much changed side from who they beat 8-3 on the opening day of the season back in August.
Port's midweek away win at Highworth moved them above Kidlington on goal difference, so tomorrow will be a tight affair with Kidlington favourites in what will be a tight game. Kidlington are a much changed side and Holyport will know they need to be at their best to beat a side that narrowly lost to Southern League Banbury United in mid week.
Recent results show Kidlington have found their scoring boots averaging three goals a game of late, Port's defence will need another good showing tomorrow. Along with four wins from their last five Kidlington will be full of confidence.
Holyport will travel without Daniel Rapley and Steve Deverall.
The Reserves will also face Kidlington Reserves at Summerleaze as they look to close the points on the three sides above them.
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Port To Highworth - 4 February
Holyport will visit Highworth tomorrow night for their re scheduled game after a recent postponement. Both sides are locked in the battle near the basement of the League and will be looking for a win which will help them close the gap on Kidlington and Newbury.
A narrow one nil win in September gave Holyport three points at Summerleaze thanks to an early Jamie West penalty, the game will be just as tight tomorrow night with both sides having found some confidence and form in recent games.
Highworth have won two of their last four and pushed League leaders Marlow close in a 5-4 loss as well as 2nd place Ardley in a 2-1 loss so they will defiantly be up for Port tomorrow night especially with home advantage. Holyport have themselves claimed four points from their last six, and they know that in a week that sees visits to Highworth and Kidlington that two wins would move them above Kidlington in the League - but first up is Highworth.
Holyport will travel with the same squad that drew with inform Oxford City Nomads on Saturday except for Steve Deverall.
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Port Visit The Abbot's - 29 January
Holyport visit Abingdon Town's Culham Road ground tonight in the hope of playing their first competitive game in two and a half weeks.
Holyport will travel full in the knowledge that Abingdon have found some form at the moment with two wins on the spin against Wokingham & Emmbrook and on the road to Slimbridge. Confidence will be high in the Abingdon camp but Holyport also come off the back of a good win 5-1 at Shrivenham in their last game.
A win for Holyport tonight can lift them two places above Highworth and Kidlington but a loss will bring Abingdon within one point of Holyport with lots of games in hand. Holyport welcome back Ryan Britnell, Lee Jerrum and Jake Chance into the squad. Holyport did have a 90 minute run out on Saturday as the First Team played the Reserves on a local 3G pitch to keep both sides ticking over.
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Holyport Seek New Secretary - 23 January
Holyport Football Club are searching for a new secretary / match secretary due to the recent news that Graham Broom will be stepping down after ten years at the helm at the end of the season. The club would like to thank Graham for his time, commitment and dedication whilst in this role and also to his family for their support over this time.
The club has taken massive strides forward over the past ten seasons and Club Chairman Tony Andrews said, "Graham has done an outstanding job for us while he has been at the club and we would all like to thank him for his tireless dedication to Holyport. The club have already secured a fixture secretary for next season so we have broken the general role down so it is more manageable. Graham is ensuring everything is in place and has kept everyone updated and informed.
The role of secretary / match secretary is an important job and communication with the management team, club officials, the Hellenic League, Football Associations and Local Counties is paramount to the running of the football club. We wish Graham well in the future and hope to see him at some of the future games."
The search is now on to replace Graham and Andrews said, "We are looking for an enthusiastic, well organised person who would like to help a local football club that is looking to continue its recent development. The main responsibility will be on the secretarial side of the football club. Whist we would like someone with experience, it is not necessary, we just want someone to join who has the enthusiasm for the role and non league football.
Interested people should email the club at richardtyrell@googlemail.com reference SECRETARY / MATCH SECRETARY or contact the vice chairman Chris Allum on 07976 284427
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Difficult Week Ahead - 12 January
Holyport face possibly their biggest week of the season to date, with two games against club's in the battle to avoid relegation and one with a club hoping to be promoted this season.
A trip to SN6 to face Shrivenham today, a club who look to more galvanized under the appointment of Mark Stevens is their first task. Shrivenham were holding Binfield last week until a red card to their goalkeeper ruined their chances of a result. Then on Tuesday night it is back to the same part of the country to take on Highworth Town, who also have started to put in some better performances.
'Port' performances have improved of late although the results haven't shown this. With the sides beneath Holyport having games in hand and starting to collect some points it is important the they go home with at least a point from each of the next two outings in what will be very difficult games. Along with Reading Town and Abingdon Town, Holyport and it's next two opponents form the bottom five of the table. None of the five have earned more that 16 points so far this season.
Then next Saturday, second place Slimbridge travel to Summerleaze for the first meet of the season between the two teams.
Holyport will hopefully have top scorer Jamie West back in contention for today's game after being sidelined with an angle injury.
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 Game On In Dry Port - 4 January
After the flooding of Summerleaze Village last weekend the water has gone as quickly as it came, and the Marlow game is on.
The picture shows what it was like toward the end of last week, but now the playing of football at Summerleaze is on the front foot.
All at Holyport were concerned with how long the standing water may have lasted as this was the worst the pitch and surrounding area has ever been. Graham Broom and Tony Andrews inspected the pitch this afternoon and are delighted by the condition of the playing surface for the visit of Uhlsport Hellenic League leaders Marlow FC tomorrow afternoon.
With the weather conditions looking dry Holyport are hoping for a bumper crowd, also the Xmas cash draw will take place with £300 to be paid out.
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New Faces On The Port Horizon? - 3 January
Derek Sweetman has said he is doing a few deals ‘behind the scenes’ to bring some new players to Holyport in January after watching his side lose their eighth straight Hellenic League Premier Division clash.
Saturday’s 3-2 defeat to Flackwell Heath was harsh, said Sweetman, but underlined the need to score when on top. “Someone told me afterwards that we had nine golden scoring opportunities and scored two, while they had seven and scored three,” he said. “That’s it really. “We missed our chances and they just had that bit of extra quality in their ranks to get them over the line.”
He added: “We had 70 per cent of the first half, but went in at half-time 1-0 down. Obviously we were still in it, but then we squandered another chance at start of second half. This seemed to lift Flackwell who scored twice in quick succession. We came back with two late goals, but it was not to be. It was the sort of match which could have ended 8-8.”
Port are precariously placed in the bottom five, but Sweetman is confident his side will pull away from the danger zone. He said: “I’ve not been able to put out same side in back-to-back games this season. If we can start doing this, plus with the addition of a few players, then I think we’ll be fine.”
Holyport are due to entertain leaders Marlow on Saturday, but the match at Summerleaze is in doubt because of flooding.
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Nothing To Lose - 7 December
Holyport travel to Premier Division leaders, and near neighbours, Marlow tomorrow afternoon with nothing to lose.
With top scorer Jamie West missing from the squad the side will travel with no expectations on them, apart from the exception of a performance which should show determination and willingness to perform to the best of their ability. Daniel Rapley will also be serving the last of his two game suspension tomorrow.
Meanwhile at Summerleaze Holyport Reserves take on undefeated Burnham Reserves in Division Two East of the Uhlsport Hellenic League, looking to inflict their first defeat of the season and get themselves back into the top section, after a few recent league defeats.
Both games at 3pm kick off.
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Players Out For Berks Derby Game - 30 November
Holyport visit Ascot United at The Race Course ground tomorrow afternoon, this will be the first of three meetings inside three weeks as they meet on Boxing Day at Summerleaze and the 8th Jan 2013 in the Berks and Bucks Cup. Holyport trained last night at Summerleaze Village which has recovered well from all the recent rain and will host Cirencester Development Team tomorrow in the The Chairman's Reserve Challenge Cup.
The First team will travel to Ascot United missing Ryan Britnell who is still suffering with a swollen and infected foot following the Flackwell Heath game, Daniel Rapley is serving the first of his two game suspension and Sam Jones is a doubt with a chest infection. Holyport are also waiting on the availability of Tristan Heywood but welcome Matt Rolfe back into the squad.
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Positive Result Around The Corner? - 19 November
The last two games have seen losses for Holyport, but this doesn't tell the full story as they say. Against Binfield Holyport put in an impressive opening 45 minute display but did not take a deserved lead into the break and Binfield came out a different side after the break to win 2-0, Holyports cause was not helped after losing Dan Rapley to two yellow cards after 63 minutes. But overall it was a positive display.
Then against Cheltenham on Saturday with a bare 12 players available (missing Ovens, Britnell, Crawford, Rolfe and Deverall - around 468 appearances for Holyport between them!) Holyport again matched Chelteham and were the better side for a good period but after getting back to 1-1 through Stuart Butler Cheltenham went on to grab a late winner.
On Tuesday we welcome Flackwell Heath to Summerleaze in what is our derby for the season, these are usually close affairs 1-0 and 2-1 last season with both clubs claiming a win. Hopefully Holyport can call on Ovens, Britnell, Crawford and Deverall to bolster the side.
Special mention to Sam Jones who made his 200th Holyport appearance against Wantage last week and also to Dan Rapley who will make his 200th appearance against Flackwell Heath. |
Port Hoping to Avenge Loss - 26 October
Holyport are at home to Thame United who inflicted the side’s first league defeat of the season back in August with a comfortable win 3-2 at home. West and Wright were on the score sheet for Holyport that day.
Port will be without Kirby and Rolfe. Rolfe picked up a nasty ankle injury in Tuesday nights win over Lydney in the 4th minute. Dan Rapley is also serving his suspension so will miss his second game whilst Jamie Handscomb is a possibility to be involved after a month out with a groin injury.
Holyport Reserves face a tough task at The Gore tomorrow as they face League leaders Burnham Reserves. Burnham have played five and won all of them without conceding a single goal. The task will be that little bit harder as Gariff Roque has been called into the first team squad and Jordan Casey is suspended. Joining the side will be new signing John Brennan who has transferred from Slough Town Reserves, although he did spend time with Holyport during pre season. Paul Rake will be looking to keep his goal scoring record up with ten goals in seven games.
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Return TripTo Port - 12 October
Holyport welcome Newbury to Summerleaze Village tomorrow for the second time in three weeks. This time the sides will be battling it out in the FA Carlsberg Vase instead of Uhlsport Hellenic League. Three weeks ago the defences of both sides were on top and it took a great volley in the 75th minute for Newbury to claim a 1-0 win.
Holyport are missing eight players for tomorrow so it will take a real squad effort if Port are to get their name into the Second Round Proper draw. Missing are Clarke, Harding, Crawford, Rapley, Handscomb, Jones, Butler and Lines. Holyport last night signed on ex captain Carl Reeves to come in as cover for the side. To make matters worse mid week substitutes Casey and Shamuyarira are also struggling with injuries picked up in training on Thursday night.
With no game this mid week it is hoped that several of the players will be back from injury for Abingdon next Saturday along with a few new faces.
Barclays Premier Division side Reading FC are without are game tomorrowand have given Holyport some additional publicity by promoting the match at Summerleaze. Non League Day
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Hoping For Midweek - 9 October
Holyport return to Tuesday night football tonight hoping to keep on their mid week run going which has seen wins against Kidlington, Shrivenham, Reading Town, Wantage and a draw with Ardley - basically all of the points have so far come on Tuesday nights!
The opening 20 minutes was promising against Wokingham as Port started brightly but after The Sumas took the lead just before half time they controlled the game and romped home with a 5-0 win. During the game Holyport lost inform winger Daniel Rapley with what looks like ligament damage to his knee.
Derek Sweetman has added Gary Lines from Holmer Green to the squad, Holmer Green play in the Spartan South Midlands League. Steve Deverall is also back in the squad after a calf injury. Still missing are Crawford, Jones and Handscomb.
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Test For Port - 5 October
Holyport will be tested tomorrow at Summerleaze as Roger Herridge and his Wokingham side look to make it ten games unbeaten.
A win for Holyport will move them above the Sumas, and games at Summerleaze at usually quite tight affairs. Looking at the local press Roger has one of his strongest squads to select from in recent weeks which will make the task even harder for Holyport who are missing Handscomb, D. Wright, Jones and Deverall.
This week Jamie Wright has also moved to Windsor FC, the club would like to thank Jamie for his years of service. Jamie will always be the youngest player to have played for Holyport at 15 years old and also our first ever FA cup goal scorer.
Holyport Reserves travel to Slough Town Reserves tomorrow in a top of the table clash. One thing is for sure there should be goals a plenty as both sides as also the Leagues top goal scorers. Slough who have won 3 from 3 also have a mean defence with just one goal being put past them. Holyports new Reserve team setup up with Barry and Eddie at the helm have started well, playing the right football and bringing local footballers who want to learn into the setup. No doubt it will be a test for the side tomorrow against Slough Town's best up and coming talent.
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Wright Choice - 22 September
Holyport welcome Newbury to Summerleaze today and as fate would have both teams are set to meet on 13 October in the 1st Round of the Carlsberg FA Vase.
Both teams had good wins mid week, Newbury at home to Binfield and Holyport away to Wantage. On the back of this win Holyport have signed Dale Wright from Maidenhead United Reserves. Dale will be the third ‘Wright’ to play for Holyport as his Father has played and managed the side and older brother Jamie is signed on now. Dale is a young forward who has pace and is also good in the air.
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Difficult Game Tonight For Port - 18 September
Holyport face the difficult trip to Uhlsport Hellenic Football League Premier Division joint leaders Wantage Town tonight.
Wantage have made an impressive start to the season with six wins and just one loss. Hopefully tonight’s visit will be uneventful, unlike the previous visit in the Berks and Bucks Cup, which took three attempts to be played and finally resulted in a win on penalties for Holyport.
Holyport have hopefully turned the corner themselves with a solid draw at home to Ardley United and then a very comfortable win at home in the Carlsberg FA Vase on Saturday against Molten Spartan South Midlands League side Winslow United. Conceding just the one goal in the two games.
The only downside to Saturdays win was the loss of Steve Deverall to a hamstring injury, Port will also be without Ross Crawford due to work commitments. On a positive note Holyport have signed Leigh Mason in time to play tonight, Leigh (pictured) began the season at Evo-Stik Southern League Slough Town. |
Help Required - 5 September
Holyport FC are looking for match day helper and a general handy man – or anyone else who would like to get involved with helping a local football club in any capacity. Please call Graham Broom on 07702 369708 should this interest you.
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Reaction Required - 31 August
Derek Sweetman will be looking for a reaction this weekend after Bank Holiday Monday's lacklustre performance against Highmoor Ibis.
A poor first half saw Holyport trailing three nil to Ibis who did not exactly set the world alight to be in that position. A second half goal from Jamie Handscomb in the 88th minute was too late for a Holyport fightback. Holyport travel to Oxford City Nomads who will also be looking to make amends for a Monday 5-0 defeat at the hands of Wokingham and Emmbrook.
Holyport need to find some consistency in their displays, but this is proving harder than expected due to players on holidays and picking up injuries.
Holyport will be missing Lee Jerrum (fractured wrist) and also have doubts in Steve Deverall (Calf), Daniel Rapley (Ankle), Stuart Butler (Knee) and Jamie Wright (Knee). On the plus side they can welcome back Lee Ovens and Matt Rolfe who both missed Monday's game. |
Keeper Conundrum - 21 August
The Holyport goalkeeping hoodoo has struck again, three keepers in three weeks have now got injured. Firstly Carl Dennison broke his ankle outside of football, then Ashley Smith broke his wrist in the FA Cup match against Ardley then Kyle Bradley broke his foot playing cricket on Sunday.
Holyport welcome Shrivenham to Summerleaze tonight who are on the back of two wins over Kidlington and will be looking to continue their recent form, whereas Port are looking to bounce back from a narrow defeat at Thame United on Saturday.
Holyport have just one player in doubt – Lee Jerrum, Lee is still awaiting to see if he has broken his wrist following his goal he scored against Reading Town last week.
Port would also like to congratulate Lee Ovens who made his 100th appearance for Holyport against Thame United on Saturday. |
Holyport ‘Keeper’ Crisis - 14 August
 After only two games Holyport are suffering from a goalkeeping crisis. Port lost Carl Dennison last week to a broken ankle and ligament damage and then on Saturday Ashley Smith injured his wrist from the 85th minute penalty save he made.
Matthew Collis (pictured) has been signed in time to feature against Reading Town tonight. Collis last played for Holyport under Jason Andrews some three seasons ago but has since played for Marlow and Ascot.
It should be goals a plenty at Scours Lane tonight, Reading Town have so far scored 5 and conceded 13 while Holyport have scored 10 and conceded 7 – all in just two games.
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 Ardley Cup Visit For Port - 10 August
Holyport move onto the The FA with Budweiser Cup this weekend with a visit to Ardley for an Extra Preliminary Round fixture.
Ardley had a good mid week win at Cheltenham on Wednesday night so both teams will be confident after opening wins. After two seasons of entering the FA Cup Port are yet to get past the first qualifying round, something that they will hope to put right this weekend. Holyport will be travelling without Handscomb (suspension), Jeffries (suspension), Butler (Holiday) and Wright (Holiday)
Holyport have had a very good week, starting with an 8 v 3 opening Uhlsport Hellenic League Premier Division campaign victory over Kidlington.
The new look Reserve side then played Chinnor last night and although going down 3-1 it should be noted that Chinnors side featured nine of their First Team squad! Also at 1-1 Holyport had a goal ruled offside, a penalty appeal waived away and a header cleared off of the goal line.
Barry Rake was very proud of his side that consisted of mostly 18 years old lads.
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Satisfied Sweetman - 13 July
 Holyport FC boss Derek Sweetman will line up against his former club when Slough Town visit Summerleaze for a pre-season friendly on Tuesday night (17 July).
Sweetman’s side have been back training for a fortnight and he believes his squad is in good shape as they look to build on a positive first campaign in the Hellenic Premier Division.
He said: “I’m quite satisfied with where we are at the moment. If we started the season tomorrow I would be more than happy. Tuesday is our first friendly. We’ve got a little trophy that ourselves and Slough play for each season so it’s a nice first game for us. There are a few missing but it will give most of the lads a chance to stretch their legs.”
Port have yet to confirm any new signings but Sweetman is hopeful that ‘one or two’ will put pen to paper in the near future.
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 Summerleaze Appointment - 19 June
Holyport Football Club are pleased to announce that Barry Rake has been appointed as the Reserve team manager for the forthcoming season.
Barry (pictured with Holyport chairman Tony Andrews) arrives with a wealth of experience after making over 100 appearances for Maidenhead United and also over 100 appearances for Slough Town (88-91, 95-96 and 2001).
Following a spell managing at Maidenhead Boys and Girls where he successfully guided the Maidenhead Boys Under 18's team to the East Berk Youth Division One Title last season winning 15 of their 18 games.
Barry had been in charge of the team for six years, having started when they were at U12s. Following the title win, the team disbanded but six of the players will now follow Rake to Holyport and join up with last years squad.
He said: "I'm really looking forward to it. Holyport seem to want to promote young, local players which is great. The idea is that we can progress these lads into the first team."
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Holyport Training & Pre-Season - 15 June
Holyport Football Club announce the start dates for training for the 2012/13 Uhlsport Hellenic League Premier Division season and the pre-season schedule.
First Team – Saturday 30th June at 10.30am. Reserves & Youth – Tuesday 3rd July at 7pm. All sessions will take place at Summerleaze - SL6 8SP. Any player looking for more information should contact commercial@holyportfc.co.uk
The following pre season games have also been arranged for the First Team:
Tuesday 17th July 2012 – Slough Town at Summerleaze Village, Kick Off 19.45pm
Saturday 21st July 2012 – Woodley Town at Cantley Park, Kick Off 14.00pm
Tuesday 24th July 2012 – Feltham away (Location TBC), Kick Off 19.00pm
Thursday 26th July 2012 – Windsor FC at Summerleaze Village, Kick Off 19.45pm
Saturday 28th July 2012 – Penn & Tylers away (Location TBC), Kick Off 15.00pm
Thursday 2nd August 2012 – Maidenhead United at Summerleaze Village, Kick off 19.45pm |
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